Pastor Stephen Dedman

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭25‬

How often do you rely on our own wisdom and understanding to navigate life’s challenges and decisions? We trust in our own judgment, believing that we know what’s best for ourselves. Yet, as today’s verse reminds us, this self-reliance can lead us astray.

The world is filled with countless voices begging for our attention, offering their own ideas of what constitutes success, happiness, and fulfillment. It’s easy to be swayed by popular opinion or our own desires. We may pursue paths that promise pleasure, wealth, or power, only to find ourselves disillusioned and empty in the end.

But God offers us a different way—a way that leads to true life and fulfillment. He invites us to trust in Him and His wisdom, to seek His guidance in all that we do. For His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He promises to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6).

Choosing to follow God’s way may not always be easy or popular, but it is the path that leads to true life and freedom. It is a path marked by love, righteousness, and obedience to God’s Word. It is a path that leads us into deeper intimacy with our Creator and Savior.

Are we relying solely on our own understanding, or are we seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in all that we do? Let us trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, knowing that He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Pray

Lord, forgive me for the times when I have relied on my own understanding and walked down paths that led to destruction. Help me to trust in You with all my heart and to seek Your wisdom and guidance in all that I do. Lead me in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake, and help me to walk in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬

When we grasp the reality of our crucifixion with Christ, it transforms our perspective on life. No longer are we slaves to our old sinful nature or the pressures of this world. Instead, we are empowered to live by faith in Jesus, drawing upon His strength, wisdom, and love to guide us.

We are called to live in the reality of our union with Christ. Just as Paul experienced, our old selves have been crucified with Christ, and we have been raised to new life in Him. This truth has profound implications for how we live each day.

Living by faith in Christ means surrendering our wills and desires to Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and direct our steps. It means trusting in God’s promises and relying on His grace to sustain us through every trial and challenge. It means seeking to glorify Him in all that we do.

At the heart of this life of faith is a deep awareness of Christ’s love for us. He loved us so much that He willingly laid down His life for us, taking our sins upon Himself so that we could be reconciled to God. In light of this great love, how can we do anything less than live our lives in devotion and service to Him?

Pray

Lord, help me to grasp the reality of my crucifixion and the new life that I have in You. May I live today by faith, drawing upon Your strength, wisdom, and love. Keep me ever mindful of Your great love and empower me to bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬

Life is filled with its share of trials, hardships, and uncertainties. From personal struggles to global crises, we encounter tribulations of various kinds that can shake us to our core. In moments of difficulty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless, wondering where we can find peace.

Yet, in the midst of life’s storms, Jesus offers to find our peace in Him. He doesn’t promise a life free from trouble, but He assures us that His presence and victory over the world are greater than any challenge we may face. In Christ, we can find a peace that transcends our circumstances, a peace that anchors our souls even in the midst of life’s fiercest storms.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus and anchor our hearts in His promises, we discover a peace that the world cannot give nor take away. It’s a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). In Jesus, we find not only peace but also hope, strength, and courage to face whatever trials may come our way.

So, as we navigate the challenges of life, let us take heart in the words of Jesus. Let us find our peace in Him, knowing that He has already overcome the world. May His presence be our refuge and strength, sustaining us through every trial and leading us into His perfect peace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the peace and hope I have in You. Help me to set my heart and mind on Your glory as I endure the trials and sufferings I face today. Give me joy in seeking Your presence and searching Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.